Have you ever sat across from a doctor and wondered, "Does this person actually care about me?"
You aren't alone.
In a new episode of the Balls Deep podcast, I chose to share my own story, but not as Dr. Pazona, the urologist. Instead, I want to tell you about Joe, a kid from a small town in New York, who has a long, winding and painful story about navigating the healthcare system and ultimately, a desire to change it. Let’s go balls deep into how I transformed from being a disillusioned employee to the founder of one of the highest rated urology practices in the Southeast, and why I think your doctor should care:
The Origins: No Trust Fund, Just a Dream
There were no doctors in my family, and I did not inherit a trust fund. Instead, my family included pizza shop owners, musicians, and firefighters. From childhood, I guess I was a nerd. I was the kid in school who wanted to volunteer at the local hospital, and then I thought, “Why not try this doctor thing?” For me, it was a calling.
Fast forward 13 years of schooling post-high school (yes, 13) and I came out the other side as a urologist, ready to help people and “just be a doctor.” My plan was simple: find a job, take care of patients, and let someone else deal with the business side. I wanted to be a simple doctor.
Sounds great, right?
The Ugly Side of Healthcare
My first job as a small-town urologist in Washington state felt like a dream. In a Costco store, patients expressed their gratitude. I was getting hugs and I was making a real difference. I felt appreciated.
But then, I started seeing the ugly and broken side of the system.
Patients were unable to get appointments. And when I suggested ways to improve care, I was told, “That’s just how we do it.”
Spoiler: That’s the worst answer you can give a guy like me.
I thought I found my “dream job” when I was offered the position of Chief of Urology and Chief of Robotic Surgery at an academic center in the Southern United States. It was a big title and a big opportunity.
However, after moving my family across the country, I quickly recognized it was a bait-and-switch. I wasn’t running anything, simply a cog in the corporate machine. And, when I tried to push for change?
They fired me.
Fired, Broke, and Rebuilding From Scratch
Imagine being told, “You’re a great doctor…but you don’t fit in.”
That was my wake-up call. I had three kids, no income, and a sense of betrayal. I wasn’t searching for a raise, I simply was seeking better care for my patients, which, in corporate America, is very rare.
So I had a choice: stay in the system or go out on my own.
And I chose freedom.
Building Pazona MD: No Insurance, No B.S.
In 2020, just before the pandemic, I joined a private practice and learned how the business of medicine really works. While the world was shut down, I realized that I really wanted to build something for myself.
I started Pazona MD with very little to go on and a lot of determination.
What was my vision?
✅ Having a system in place to answer calls.
✅ Having staff who care.
✅ Having doctors who listen.
✅ Having no insurance middlemen who dictate how we treat patients.
Was it easy? Not a chance.
Was it worth it? Definitely.
Now, we have more than 1,100 five-star reviews, and I have a clinic culture to be proud of. I may be earning less than when I was employed, but I have never been richer in purpose.
Reason for Saying “No” to Insurance
Let’s face it. Insurance companies have not kept up with inflation. Reimbursements have decreased, and doctors are burning out.
And you, the patient, suffer the most.
If I’d stayed in-network, I’d have to shut my practice down. I choose a different model: fewer patients, in-depth care, and no red tape.
Our small team is not perfect, but we always serve with heart. We support one another. We support our patients.
One time, one of my medical assistants said to me, “Dr. P, no one’s ever supported me like this.”
And, yeah, I cried. (My kids say I cry all the time.)
Why this Matters to You
You deserve a doctor who listens, a team that supports you, and a healthcare experience that feels personal.
And if you’ve ever felt like just another number in a waiting room, I want you to know: it doesn’t have to be that way.
Ready for a different kind of healthcare?
We’re not just changing urology; we’re changing expectations. If you’re in the Nashville or Brentwood area, come see what Pazona MD is all about.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.